Sutton Coldfield Swimming Pool To Close For Good

Swimming pool at Sutton Coldfield's ​Fairfax Academy has closed for good 'due to a leak'

Image courtesy of Sutton Coldfield Observer

Sadly, a swimming pool used by a wide selection of the local community in Sutton Coldfiled has closed after a "significant leak" has been found.

The pool at Fairfax Academy, which is used by a vast range of Primary Schools in the area and community groups- all helping to teach children to swim, as well as the students of Fairfax Academy itself has announced that it will be closed permanently with immediate effect. The closure is due to an underground leak being discovered.

The popular facility, which was originally installed as an outdoor pool and has been making waves since 1959, has been used by thousands of people learning to swim.

Back in January 2014, a 'Save the Pool' campaign was started when the initial damage was discovered. With the then head teacher Andy Bird saying: "Many of the groups and children who come to Fairfax to make use of our pool would not have the opportunity to swim elsewhere, therefore it is vital that we do everything we can to raise the funds to make the much needed repairs and improvements." Adding that if the major repair works totalling £400,000 were not undertaken, Fairfax’s valued swimming pool would regrettably have to close.

The Sutton Coldfield Observer, today (Friday) reported that Debbie Bunn, head teacher of Fairfax Academy, had announced that the pool has been closed, saying: "Safeguarding of all who use the swimming pool is of absolute priority and having discovered the leak we could not have let the pool remain open.

"We are really sorry to announce the closure of our pool. We all appreciate how popular the service is among students, parents and the local community – and the effort that went into keeping it running in 2014."

CEO of Fairfax Multi-Academy Trust, and former head teacher Andy Bird added that due to the fluctuating water levels in the pool, there was no other option to ensure the health and safety of all users. He further added: "In addition to the cost of fixing the leak we understand we would need to make a high investment to the swimming pool to make it fit for purpose in years to come. And at a time when educational budgets are being cut we must concentrate on investing money in educating our students and giving them the best we are able to."

Due to the heavy use of the pool by students and the wider community, the school says it is 'seeking alternative arrangements with local swimming pools to allow current service users to continue'.

If you or your children attend Fairfax Academy for swimming lessons please contact your swim class to find out what alternative arrangements have been made.

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